Correctional Officer R.J. Vidimos died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while assigned to the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women at 420 Mill Street SW in Mitchellville.

Officer Vidimos had served with the Iowa Department of Corrections for one year. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and grandson.

Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.